We use cookies to collect and analyse information on site performance and usage, and to enhance and
customise content and advertisements. By clicking "OK" or by clicking into any content on this site, you
agree to allow cookies to be placed. To find out more visit the cookies section of our
privacy policy.

Kosovo Olympic Committee President Besim Hasani has claimed the Paralympics is his next goal following the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) unanimous decision to accept the Balkan Republic as a full member here today.

Following the decision of the IOC's ruling Executive Board to grant provisional recognition in October, the vote of the members-at-large was always a rubber-stamping more than a real challenge, but, even so, the fact not a single member objected was still a surprise.

This now means Kosovan athletes will be able to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games under their national flag, as well as join other organisation such as the Association of National Olympic Committees and compete at events like the Baku 2015 European Games.

"I am very excited, very happy and feel complete," a delighted Hasani, who has led the KOC since 1996, told insidethegames afterwards.

"But at the same time I am full of energy and determined to work harder to have athletes compete in the Olympics and win medals.

"This decision shows that sport is always one step ahead of politics.

"Through sport many conflicts can be solved and bridges of friendship can be built."

Although recognised by 108 out of the 193 United Nations members since declaring independence in 2008, Kosovo is not a UN member predominantly because of opposition from certain nations, including Russia, China and Serbia.

This has been a stumbling block in terms of Olympic recognition as well, with the primary dispute over whether the Olympic Charter's demand to be "recognised by the international community" requires UN membership.

But following support from the IOC's Director of NOC Relations Peré Miró, support was voiced by ANOC President and influential IOC member, Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, as well as European Olympic Committees (EOC) head Patrick Hickey, who said Kosovo would now become the 50th EOC member.

From this point, is seemed clear a triumphant acceptance was inevitable.

Serbian officials, including Olympic Committee of Serbia President Vlade Divac, who was unable to attend today, were not happy with the decision, it was revealed afterwards, but accepted it "in the interest of the athletes".

Kosovo are now set to become a member of various other International Federations and organisations, ahead of Rio 2016, where two-time reigning world champion judoka Majlinda Kelmendi will be a leading gold medal hope.

Hasani also revealed how he has already had a meeting with International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Sir Philip Craven and is hopefulmembership of that organisation will follow soon.

"We spoke about our procedure and once we are part of the IOC, which we now are, we were told we should apply," he said.

"We are going to apply immediately and have already established a Paralympic Committee to do that."

Paralympic sport in the Republic is still very limited to the extent they would likely only have a participant at Rio 2016 should a Kosovan-born athlete who lives overseas switch nationalist, but recognition is seen as a key catalyst to allowing further growth.

Speaking to insidethegames this afternoon, Sir Philip Craven spoke enthusiastically about the meeting yesterday and, although he does not have a timeline of when membership will be accepted, said that "discussions are underway" and progress is being made.

Timeline

About the author

Since joining insidethegames.biz in 2013, Butler has travelled to a variety of major global sporting events, including the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games as well as the most recent editions of the Asian, European and Pan American Games in Incheon, Baku and Toronto. He has also attended the last four International Olympic Committee (IOC) Sessions and has particularly enjoyed tackling the politics and diplomacy of the Olympic Movement.

inside the photos

Fact of the day

At the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Iranian judoka Arash Miresmaeili was disqualified for weighing in at nearly four pounds above the limit for his weight class of his under-66 kilograms match against an Israeli opponent Ehud Vaks in the first round. It was claimed Miresmaeili had gone on an eating binge to protest the International Olympic Committee's recognition of the state of Israel. Iran does not recognise the state of Israel, and Miresmaeili's actions won praise from high-ranking Iranian officials. Mohammad Khatami, the country's President at the time, was quoted as saying Miresmaili's actions would be "recorded in the history of Iranian glories". He was later awarded $125,000 by the Government - the same amount given to Olympic gold medallists.

Featured Job

This position is responsible for expanding exposure of the UFC brand in its region and ensuring the effective integration of online and offline marketing campaigns. The ultimate goal is enlarging UFC fan base in the region and supporting UFC's business development in the market. The position will work daily with UFC media, social media, and sponsorship teams.

The Big Read

International Skating Union President Jan Dijkema has had to deal with emergence of rival, independent, commercial competitions which has seen the whole European sports model challenged but, as the Dutchman told Mike Rowbottom, he is confident that his sport has a bright future